The founder of Lotus Press, Madgett also is the editor of two anthologies, one of which, Adam of Ife: Poetry in Praise of Black Men(Lotus Press, 1992), presents the poetry of 55 African-American women. Earlier this year, Madgett became the recipient of the Kresge Foundation's $50,000 2012 Eminent Artist Award. That prize follows a long list of citations, including an American Book Award, a Governor of Michigan Artist Award, a College Language Association Creative Achievement Award, a Black Scholar Magazine Award of Excellence, induction in The Michigan Women's Hall of Fame, and several honorary degrees. A national competition open to African-American poets is named for her. Widely published, the Virginia-born Madgett was just 13 when her first poem appeared in a local newspaper, 15 when she met Langston Hughes, who autographed one of his poetry books for her, and 17 when her first collection, Songs to a Phantom Nightingale, debuted.

Using historical photographs and documents, interviews, and footage of poetry readings, filmmaker David B. Schock traces Madgett's cultivation of her poetic voice, her years as a teacher, and her commitment to Detroit, where she has been a tireless activist, arts supporter, and literary influence.

A Poet's Voice at Vander Films (The 27-minute short includes a reading by Madgett. An excerpt is available at the link.)

Four Sisters (x2, +1)(This is a 12:53-minute excerpt from a documentary about a 2010 event featuring appearances by Madgett and poets Melba Joyce Boyd, Marilynn Rashid, and Hilda Vest at the Virgil Carr Center, Michigan Arts League.)